A tale behind magnificent creation of mankind

LIVING ROOT BRIDGES🍃

Did you know?

Story behind:
Living root bridges are quintessentially aerial bridges which are generally built by weaving and manipulating the roots of the Rubber fig tree (ficus elastic). Initially heavy rains created a huge problem to indigenous Khasi tribes who found it very difficult to cross the streams and rivers during monsoon.
Usage of bamboo would lead to rottening and steel or iron would cost them high. Therefore, village elders devised a unique eco-friendly solution.
They guided rubber fig roots to grow and securely clasp over the rocks. These roots were placed during dry season until the fig's roots get attached themselves to other side of the river. Once the slender roots reached the other side, they were infused deep into the soil. Finally, mud stones and sticks were added to complete the bridge.
These bridges take centuries to build.
An interesting fact of this engineering is that it grows stronger over period of time and takes little maintenance. It is truely surreal to walk over these bridges surrounded by misty weather and flowing streams.
Well now these bridges are well-maintained by individuals and communities of Khasi and Jaintia people.
These bridges have become a trademark of Meghalaya by carrying potential to make cities more environment friendly.
They emanate a marvel engineering of human kind.But lately, increase in pollution and tourism activities are leading to the deteriorating health of Riwai root bridge.

Riwai bridge:
This mysterious magnificent bridge is situated in Riwai which is around 8kms from Mawlynong. The path from Riwai village to root bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.

Umshiang bridge:
To visit the most popular and famous Umshiang double decker living root bridge of Meghalaya, one can opt either trekking  3km down around 4000 steps from tyrna village or can start the trek from nohkalika waterfalls by opting uneven rocky path. And for that, one needs to be physically fit to climb down the mountain which nearly take 2 to 3 hours.

Staying option: *Available* at Nongriat village.

Exploring and unraveling these bridges brought a great sense of ecstatic feeling within me.

*One must really visit these places. It's totally worth it.*